Merry Christmas everyone. Although the Thais are all Buddhists and they don't have Christmas, they really put on a show here with fake Christmas trees, Santa hats, and everyone wearing red. Anything to please the tourist I suppose. Which brings me to my next point; I am not in the real Thailand. Although it's fun here and cheap for me while staying for nothing in Carlos' house, this place is tourist central and peak season is hitting hard. I need to see what real Thai people do...other than serve the tourist industry here in the south. When I get to the north, things should be at least a little different. However, for now, I am off to see more of the 'not so real' Thailand. We're off to Koh Phangan Island for the new year-half-moon party. See you there......